Crowds mark Memorial Day in Norwich, region

Tuesday

May 29, 2012 at 12:01 AMMay 29, 2012 at 8:05 AM

Hundreds of people lined Broadway from the cathedral to Chelsea Parade, where the Norwich's Memorial Day Parade gave way to a remembrance of the 1.3 million casualties among the country’s armed forces since the Civil War.

Adam Benson

Dressed in camouflage pants and a black T-shirt, John Waggoner stood in front of St. Patrick Cathedral shortly before the start of Norwich’s annual Memorial Day Parade, directing people toward their stations and taking in the busy scene in front of him.

“We try to make it better every year,” said Waggoner, a Navy veteran. “Obviously, as veterans, it’s dear to our hearts, so we’re going to be here, hell or high water.”

Hundreds of people lined Broadway from the cathedral to Chelsea Parade, where the procession gave way to a remembrance of the 1.3 million casualties among the country’s armed forces since the Civil War.

Along the way, watchers waved American flags, cheered and saluted those walking by. Don Bonder, of Norwich, a Navy veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, said the ceremony was appreciated, but unnecessary.

“It’s a little warm out here, but this is nice,” he said. “A little embarrassing sometimes, though. You feel like you’re bragging.”

William “Top” Lee, a member of the Greater Norwich Veterans Council and Marine Corps League of New London County, was selected as this year’s keynote speaker during an afternoon wreath-laying ceremony at the city’s military memorials.

“This day is not a day to honor war, but to honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” he said. “All these lives given and injuries suffered were endured by 1 percent of the American population. So much has been given by so few.”

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